A Simple Arbor Press Modification

I thought you’d like to see some pictures of how I tightened up this standard Enco ratcheting arbor press. As it comes from Enco, the bolts in the front and the side press against the ram to tighten it up against the casting and prevent slop. The problem is that it doesn’t work that well — it tends to be either too loose or too tight.

4 Responses to A Simple Arbor Press Modification

Too many people put up with equipment problems. Unless you’re afraid of voiding your warranty, think of off the shelf products as starting points. It’s where you take them from there that determine their usefulness.

Sorry if this Q is simple minded. I want to buy an arbor press for use with cutting dies (jewelry). Some arbor presses have a lever and some have the wheel as the one in this article has. What is the difference/advantage? Hope you can help with this. MA

All have a lever, some have a wheel in addition to the lever. The wheel is for quickly positioning the ram. Of the lever, there are two types of lever, ratcheting and fixed. The ratcheting one is easier to use as you can set it to be in the best position for leverage independent of the ram position.

I have a 2 ton abor Press, at the base is a circular,moveable plate with 4 elongated slots. Are these for anchoring something? I had intended to press imprints into leather, is copper too soft as a base.